Parrish enjoys the perfect weekend

PLAYER-COACH Dwight Parrish could hardly have hoped for more from a weekend in which Bracknell Bees reclaimed top spot in the English Premier League and all but secured their place in the EPL Cup semi-finals.

PLAYER-COACH Dwight Parrish could hardly have hoped for more from a weekend in which Bracknell Bees reclaimed top spot in the English Premier League and all but secured their place in the EPL Cup semi-finals.

Following up Saturday’s 8-5 league win at Telford Tigers in the league with a 5-2 cup victory over Swindon Wildcats was just what Bees’ boss had ordered.

But Parrish’s evening got even better on Sunday with the news that two of his team’s title rivals had both suffered their first league defeats of the season.

That local rivals Slough Jets had gone down 2-1 at Isle of Wight Raiders was surprise enough, but hearing that Milton Keynes Lightning had lost their 100-per-cent record in a 1-0 defeat by basement club Romford Raiders was the shock of the season so far.

Parrish said: “They were good results for us and you certainly would not have expected Slough and Milton Keynes to lose.

“But I have always said that anyone can beat anyone on any given night in this league.”

Bees expect to meet Group B leaders Slough in the semi-finals of the cup, while Milton Keynes are on course to face either Sheffield Scimitars or Peterborough Phantoms in the other clash.

And Parrish believes Bees are showing signs of the kind of form that will be needed to emulate the success of last season’s double-winning campaign.

Despite being without the injured Joe Baird (knee) on Saturday and Peter Jasik (groin) for both games, Bees were never in danger of losing either match.

“It was a good weekend, especially considering we had players out,” said Parrish. “We played really well for the most part of both games.

“Matt Foord had an excellent two games, while Michal Kanka scored four goals on the Saturday.

“And although Gregg Rockman was not tested as much as he has been, he made some great saves when he had to. Jamie Line, Andy Hemmings and Danny House played well together, while Kurt Reynolds and Sam Oakford were excellent in defence.

“To be top of the league and through to the semi-finals of the cup – I have to be happy with that.”